.JPG "Reading")
This has been on my to-do list for a very long time but I selfishly thought that I wouldn't have to time to read the nominated title and be able to fit in the books that I really wanted to read. Well funnily enough, even without being in a book club, I haven't found time to read everything that I have wanted to read so what had I got to lose.
Britmums launched a book club last month and I clicked on that link faster than the kindle sales of 50 Shades of Grey (which I haven't read).
Honour by Elif Shafak is the story of a Turkish family, their heritage, their secrets and their struggle to be at peace with themselves. The story steps between Turkey and London, and between different members of the family both in the past and in the present, putting down layers of misfortune and misunderstanding on which the youngest generation are raised. Three children, with very different personalities, try to do what they believe is right upholding the honour of their family through their mother. She has her own challenges brought from a difficult childhood as an identical twin and her large, all female family, and to her estranged marriage and her affair.
It is a beautifully written novel, evoking a sense of unease in places, tension in others and warmth. I particularly liked the sections of the book devoted to Turkey and the older generations, loving the colour and texture of the authors language. It wasn't at all difficult to read, and not too 'literary' but felt like a worthy read none the less. I am not belittling chick lit at all but I can't live off a diet of Prossecco without the occasional glass of wine or bottle of cider.
I would definitely recommend this book and am passing it on to a friend who kindly gave me Me Before You by Jojo Moyes as a gift for World Book Night.
And if you want to join in with the Britmums Book Club then follow the link and sign up.
Disclosure: I was sent a free copy of this book by Britmums for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
Aw - great review and love the comment about Prossecco! Me Before You had me in tears which doesn't happen very often!)- look forward to other BritMums Book Club reads :-) x
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it too. You are so right about variety - wine and prosecco!Great to pass books on then you can continue the discussion!
ReplyDeleteVariety is always the best, though I am not sure I'd want to read the 50 shades or chick lit. I'm glad I joined in the Book Club, as I definitely would not have chosen this book for my reading. Loved your review.
ReplyDeleteOooh - off to click link to bookclub (something I've wanted to do and imagine I have no time either) I really don't like chicklit any more - kind of feel I have grown out of it!
ReplyDelete